BUNN 7

Has kept one clean sheet in one Premier League appearance, compared to Guzan's two in 20 (although in fairness the American's first also came in his first appearance of the season). It needed a change between the sticks and although Bunn was barely tested, the promoted understudy did seem to restore confidence to the backline.

Mark Bunn of Aston Villa celebrates victory against Crystal Palace

BACUNA 7.5

Back at right-back in place of Micah Richards. Survived a first minute scare when Zaha burst free down his flank, but from then on looked a lot more alive to the dangers and was not really exposed again by the pace of the Palace attackers. Tried to get forward and got into some dangerous areas, but his delivery was hit and miss.

OKORE 7

Different challenges for the defence. First half Palace played without recognised centre forwards, after the break Wickham and Chamakh were introduced. In both cases Okore remained disciplined and switched on, with the exception of a first half moment when Zaha rolled him and Lescott came to the rescue.

LESCOTT 9 *

How he needed this. After that needless nonsense at Wycombe, the stand-in skipper produced a solid performance. Not only did he score the winner - with a helping hand from Wayne Hennessesy, but in the words of Remi Garde, Lescott exuded calmness and serenity to protect a welcome clean sheet.

Video Loading

Video Unavailable

Click to playTap to play

The video will start in 8Cancel

Play now

CISSOKHO 7

Like Bacuna on the opposite flank, he largely contained the likes of Sako and Zaha well, although Alan Pardew admitted his attackers weren't at their best. Tried to get forward and overlap Westwood when he could and produced a decent display on his first Villa Park appearance since last February.

James McArthur of Crystal Palace goes between Aly Cissokho and Jordan Veretout

GANA 7

Seemed to benefit from having clear instructions about his role. Was used as the deepest-lying midfield in a diamond-like system in the centre of the park. Without anybody to get under his feet, he performed the simple task of patrolling in front of the back four to break up the vistors' attacks.

Aston Villa's Idrissa Gueye and Crystal Palace's Yohan Cabaye

VERETOUT 7

Operated on the right side of midfield. It was he who got the assist for Lescott's goal with a corner from the left flank. Nothing spectacular against Palace, but a player who grows more accustomed to the demands of the Premier League with each passing week.

Crystal Palace's Bakary Sako (left) and Aston Villa's Jordan Veretout

WESTWOOD 7.5

Positioned on the left and had to cut back on his favoured right, but did so effectively with little fuss. There were some encouraging moments where his close control kept possession in tight areas. One sliderule ball to thread in Kozak - the big man was marginally offside - was sublime.

Joel Ward of Crystal Palace holds off Ashley Westwood

GIL 7

Elegant in possession, drifting between the lines to find space and probing for openings. Felt he should have got a bit more protection from the referee, but there is also an onus on him to be stronger at times and to move the ball on quicker. This time his withdrawal was more calmly received by fans.

Libor Kozak of Aston Villa is assisted by team mate Carles Gil

AYEW 8

Has the look of a man on a mission. One second half burst past a couple of defenders deserved a goal. Has so much determination and that was epitomised by a moment when he tracked back to win the ball, giving the whole ground a burst on energy. These are the levels his team-mates must consistently strive for.

Jordan Ayew of Aston Villa takes on James McArthur of Crystal Palace

KOZAK 7

He's not the saviour. We know that. But he certainly looked an upgrade on Rudy Gestede. His attitude has won over Garde in recent weeks and he worked hard for Villa, winning flick ons and going close on a couple of occasions. It was his first start for over two years, so the rustiness was to be expected.

Libor Kozak of Aston Villa is challenged by Joel Ward of Crystal Palace

INJURY WATCH

CROWD WATCH

It might have been the lowest Premier League crowd Villa Park has attracted this season, but it was encouraging to see the mutual appreciation society of players and fans back in full swing at a vibrant stadium after the ugly scenes at Wycombe.